Ariffbaki: June 2013

Sunday, June 30, 2013

[New post] Kia Cerato K3 en route to outlets, launch tomorrow

Kia Cerato K3 en route to outlets, launch tomorrow

by Paul Tan

This is probably the last piece we'll be writing on the Kia Cerato K3 before the official launch report tomorrow. As you can see from these shots that we snapped today en route to the office, the cars are already on the way to showrooms and it's possible that if you ask an SA very nicely today with the intention to buy, you might be able to sneak a peek of the car in the storage area.

Based on the Kia Cerato K3 leaked brochures that we published last week, the only way you'll be able to tell the difference between the 1.6 and 2.0 litre variants of the Kia Cerato K3 from the exterior is the rear spoiler and the sunroof. Otherwise other specs such as the alloy wheel design look to be the same.

While we wait for the launch report tomorrow, in the meanwhile you can read our Kia Cerato K3 review, from the test drive event we attended in Dubai. My favorite colour is the grey one at the rear of the top deck of the trailer, what's yours?

Paul Tan | July 1, 2013 at 1:27 pm | Categories: Cars, Kia, Spyshots | URL: http://paultan.org/?p=184206

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[New post] Audi Matrix LED headlamps to debut on next A8

Audi Matrix LED headlamps to debut on next A8

by Jonathan James Tan

In much the same vein as Volvo's Active High Beam Control system, Audi's Matrix LED headlamps activate, deactivate or dim automatically at night, according to the situation. You'll see them first on the next Audi A8, which is due at the end of this year.

The technology involves numerous individual diodes working in conjunction with lenses or reflectors connected in series. Each headlamp contains 25 high-beam LEDs, arranged in groups of five per reflector.

When an oncoming vehicle is detected, relevant sections of the high beam are dipped, so as not to dazzle its driver. The closer the vehicle gets, the more LEDs are deactivated or dimmed, while areas around the vehicle continue to be illuminated by the high beam. With auto headlamps activated and high-beam on, the system operates from 30 km/h on highways and from 60 km/h on city streets.

Also made possible by Matrix LED technology are marker lights, which team up with the optional night vision assistant to mark detected pedestrians. When a person is detected within critical range in front of the car, individual LEDs flash at them rapidly thrice in succession, alerting both pedestrian and driver.

The LEDs also perform the cornering light function, relying on predictive route data from the MMI navigation plus to displace the emphasis of the beam in the direction of the bend before the driver turns the steering wheel.

Jonathan James Tan | July 1, 2013 at 1:01 pm | Categories: Audi, Cars, International News, Technology | URL: http://paultan.org/?p=184174

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[New post] Honda Malaysia recall for 2008 City and 2003 Jazz – power window master switch replacement

Honda Malaysia recall for 2008 City and 2003 Jazz – power window master switch replacement

by Danny Tan

Honda Malaysia has announced a product update a.k.a. recall for the Honda City and Jazz to improve and rectify the countermeasure that was implemented in 2010 due to the possible failure of the power window master switch. Cars involved are the second generation Honda City model year 2008 and first generation Jazz 1.4 litre model year 2003.

12,935 units of the 2008 City are involved, 7,713 units VTEC and 5,222 units i-DSI. As for 2003 Jazz, there are 3,090 units of the 1.4 litre Japan made hatchback in Malaysia.

Honda has been monitoring the issue after the initial product update in 2010. Then, thermal humidity and thermal shock tests revealed no trace of sheet peeling. But after a certain period of time, tests have shown that tension occurred around the sheet, forming a gap at the corner of the switch base which may result in liquid entering the switch area.

As a countermeasure for this new campaign, Honda will be replacing the affected part with a new power window master switch that comes with an acrylic seal. The usage of the acrylic seal with shape-following ability will ensure that all switches would be completely sealed against all possible moisture intrusion.

Once the replacement parts are ready, mailed notification will be sent to affected customers. Customers are encouraged to send their vehicle to an authorised dealer to replace the master switch as soon as they receive the notification. All parts and labour charges will be borne by Honda Malaysia.

As of today, there have been no faulty cases reported in Malaysia, and all current models are not affected by this issue. For more info and assistance, call Honda toll free at 1800-88-2020.

Danny Tan | July 1, 2013 at 11:25 am | Categories: Cars, Honda, Local News | URL: http://paultan.org/?p=184177

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[New post] Nissan Serena S-Hybrid previewed, CBU Japan MPV open for booking with early bird promo

Nissan Serena S-Hybrid previewed, CBU Japan MPV open for booking with early bird promo

by Danny Tan

Edaran Tan Chong Motor gave the media a sneak preview of the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid over the weekend in Kajang, where the MPV starred in the promotional "Meet The Hybrids" video. The Serena S-Hybrid is now open for booking and will be officially launched in the third quarter of 2013. We're entering Q3 today, so it could be anytime soon.

Readers of this website won't be surprised at this development, as we first saw the hybrid C26 Serena in Malaysia back in January, before the MPV appeared on our sister classifieds site oto.my last month, where it was advertised for RM14X,XXX.

Prices haven't been revealed yet, but we now have official specs and details of the Serena S-Hybrid, which will be imported CBU from Japan to take advantage of duty exemptions on hybrid vehicles with engine capacities below 2,000 cc. This incentive will end on December 31, 2013.

The Serena S-Hybrid is powered by a MR20DD 2.0 litre engine with 147 PS and 210 Nm. This direct injection twin-CVTC unit is paired to Nissan's smooth Xtronic CVT gearbox. But it's a different kind of hybrid than the ones from Toyota and Honda.

The S in S-Hybrid stands for 'simple' and this Serena is actually a 'micro-hybrid'. What Nissan did was beef up what it calls the 'ECO Motor', the Serena's starter motor that controls auto start/stop and functions as an alternator during deceleration.

The starter motor uses a belt pulley type cranking system instead of a normal gear type unit. Even the normal Serena has this, but in the Serena S-Hybrid, the capacity of this motor is increased from 1.0kW/150A to 1.8kW/200A, and the engine bay has an extra 12V 27Ah battery for increased storage capacity. Stored power is deployed when needed, such as during acceleration.

The resulting fuel economy gains are not as big as those from motor assist (Honda) or full hybrid (Toyota) systems, but there are gains nonetheless. In Japan, the Serena S-Hybrid is the only vehicle in its class to be exempted from the country's automobile acquisition and weight taxes, because its fuel efficiency outperforms class standards.

The boxy MPV comes with three rows of seats, accessible via twin electric sliding doors with one touch closing and i-key keyless entry. They are calling it an eight-seater with 14 possible seat configurations. The second row has a "Smart Multi Center Seat" that can double up as a centre console. Up front, there's a futuristic looking Eco Drive Navigator instrument panel with digital speedo.

Available in four colours - Dark Purple, Super Black, Pearl White, Brilliant Silver - the Serena S-Hybrid comes with an early bird promo that throws in low hire-purchase interest rates (from 2.38% per annum up to five years), a free service package (first 1,000 km, 5,000 km and 10,000 km for parts, engine oil and labour) and free PA insurance.

The Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is the first hybrid MPV to be sold in Malaysia.

Danny Tan | July 1, 2013 at 9:49 am | Categories: Cars, Local News, Nissan | URL: http://paultan.org/?p=184091

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blogger boleh: PCHBlog

PCHBlog

Posted: 30 Jun 2013 01:28 AM PDT

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